Vehicle mounted locking firearm support

ABSTRACT

Modular, firearm support cradles, an assembled rack and means for securing the cradles and rack to a variety of vehicle configurations. The rack includes a longitudinal frame member and from which project multiple padded cradles. Strap fasteners and lock means respectively restrain firearms and sundry paraphernalia to the cradles and rack. A telescoping expander bar assembly and mating extension arms permit a vehicle ceiling mount and/or roll bar mount of the rack. Cradles having sleeves which mate to the expander bar assembly facilitate user tailored mountings. A clamp plate assembly and mating extension arms permit a vertical divider mount of the rack.

This is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 08/004,982, filed on Jan.15, 1993 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,094 and of application Ser. No.29/000,115, filed on Oct. 1, 1992 now U.S. Pat. No. Des. 356,541.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to vehicle mounted firearm storage devicesand, in particular, to a horizontal mounting storage rack and modularcradles which are mountable to a vehicle ceiling, roll bar or verticaldivider, such as found in law enforcement vehicles.

Varieties of firearm storage devices have been developed over the yearsfor storing, displaying and containing firearms such as hand guns,rifles or shotguns. Many such assemblies have been developed to containlong barrelled firearms such as shotguns and rifles to a vehicle. Mosttypically, these assemblies vertically contain the firearm to a lawenforcement vehicles. The firearm is restrained to either the vehicledashboard or drive train tunnel, or an accessory equipment storage rackused to contain radios and the like. Examples of such equipment rackscan be found at U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,550,001; 3,727,813; and 3,964,612. Atraditional vertical dashboard mount and an inclined mount to the drivetrain tunnel of a law enforcement vehicle are disclosed at U.S. Pat. No.4,364,499.

Varieties of sewn fabric assemblies also exist which serve as scabbardsto support a firearm to a vehicle seat or to the back compartment wallof pickup trucks. Other supports are also available from Applicant whichhorizontally cradle a firearm, which mount directly to the ceiling ortrunk lid of a vehicle and which provide a padlocked cable retentionstrap.

A deficiency of many known devices is an inability to lock the firearmto the support rack. A further shortcoming is an inability to secure thesupport rack to accessible portions of a broad range of vehicles in afashion which prevents loosening of the support rack over time, due tovehicle vibrations and firearm weight. Additionally, most availablesupport racks do not accommodate mountings to vehicle roll bars orvertical security screens or shields, which divide the driver andpassenger compartments of law enforcement vehicles. Nor do availablesupports permit the user to tailor the number and positioning of supportcradles to the application.

With the foregoing deficiencies and shortcomings in mind, the presentinvention provides an improved support rack which accommodates widevarieties of vehicle mountings and supported appliances.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It accordingly is a primary object of the present invention to provide avehicle mounted firearm or accessory support which horizontally containsa firearm or other paraphernalia to the vehicle.

It ms a further object of the invention to provide a firearm supportwhich includes padded cradles and one or more restraint straps.

It ms a further object of the invention to provide a firearm supportwhich includes a locking restraint which latches manually or remotely.

It ms a further object of the invention to provide a firearm supportwhich mounts to a vehicle ceiling or roll bar.

It ms a further object of the invention to provide a firearm supportwhich mounts to a walled divider that separates passenger and drivercompartments of a vehicle.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a firearm supportwhich mounts to a telescoping support that, in turn, mounts to a vehicleceiling.

It ms a still further object to provide a support assembly wherein thecradles may be selectively arranged along the telescoping support.

Various of the foregoing objects, advantages and distinctions of theinvention are obtained in one presently preferred construction whichprovides a framework that includes a longitudinal frame member and apair of transverse, fixed position foam padded cradles which receive andsupport a long barrelled firearm. Strap fasteners are trained about eachcradle to retain the firearm thereto.

A remote and/or manually actuated lock assembly mounts between thecradles to lock the firearm to the rack. The frame accommodatesalternative extension pieces which are adaptable to mountings with avertical security screen or compartment divider, with a telescopingmounting assembly which spans between side framing members and with avehicle roll bar.

In an alternative construction, padded cradles are provided whichinclude sleeves that mate to the telescoping support. The number,spacing and type of support cradles can be tailored to the vehicle anduser.

Still other objects, advantages and distinctions of the invention aredescribed in greater detail below. To the extent various modificationsand improvements have been considered, they are described asappropriate. The invention should not be interpreted in strictlimitation to the following description, but rather should beinterpreted within the scope of the further appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing showing a ceiling mounted, lockingfirearm support of the invention having fixed position cradles.

FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing shown in exploded assembly of thefirearm support of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective drawing of the manual or remotely actuatedfirearm latch assembly.

FIG. 4 is a perspective drawing of a vertical divider mounted firearmsupport showing alternative window and screen mountings.

FIG. 5 is a perspective drawing of a modular support assembly whereinsleeve segments of each cradles mount along a telescoping support.

FIG. 6 is an exploded assembly drawing of various of the modularcomponents of the assembly of FIG. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, isometric views are shown of a firearm 1which is contained to a firearm support rack 2. The rack is secured toan expander bar or telescoping support assembly 3 and which support rack2 and assembly 3 are secured to a vehicle frame, i.e. the ceiling 5.

The support rack 2 comprises a framework 4 which is constructed of anumber of frame members and which are formed of tubular metal. The frame4 provides a fixed length longitudinal frame member 6 and to the leftand right ends of which are attached identical firearm cradles 8, 10 and11. Each cradle 8, 10 includes an arm 12, 13 which is formed from alength of square tube stock. Each arm 12, 13 extends from one of theends of the longitudinal member 6. Depending from each cradle 8, 10 isan angular support arm 14, 15 which is formed of a metal flat stock andwhich is welded at one end to the transverse arms 12, 13. Inner andouter surfaces of the arms 14, 15 are covered with a high density foammaterial 9 that is adhesively bonded to the arms 14, 15. When viewed inside elevation, each of the cradles 8 and 10 provides a shaped cavity 17which receives and supports a portion of the supported firearm 1.Depending upon the type of firearm, one of the cradles may support thefirearm receiver or stock, while the other supports the barrel and/orforearm of the firearm such as in the case of the shotgun depicted. Therack 2 finds particular advantage with long barrelled weapons or otheraccessories of relatively long length versus handguns. The shape of thecradle cavity 17 can be varied to the supported firearm or othercontained appliance.

Separately mounted to the frame member 6, intermediate the cradles 8 and10, is a third cradle 11. The cradle 11 is substantially similar to thecradles 8, 10 and provides a foam covered metal core. A strap restraint20 is secured to encircle the cradle 11. The strap 20 is constructedfrom a woven nylon web and mating portions 18, 19 of a VELCRO type offastener material are secured to mating ends of the strap 20. The strap20 permits the cinching of the firearm to the rack 2 to preventundesired release, except possibly during an accident when the strap 20may release with a surging of the firearm 1 against the strap 20.Additional straps 20 can be mounted to the cradles 8 and 10 as desired.

Mounted adjacent to the cradle 11 is a lock assembly 26. The lockassembly 26 is secured to the frame 4 via a bracket plate 22 which isfastened to the frame member 6 with suitable bolts/nut fasteners 24. Thelock assembly 26 finds particular advantage in law enforcement vehicleswhere a firearm is a permanent fixture of the vehicle, and where it isnecessary to restrain the firearm securely and unobtrusively to thevehicle to prevent undesired access from unauthorized occupants orpassersby.

Referring to FIG. 3, the lock assembly 26 includes a cast metal body 28and to which a clamp arm 30 is pivotally secured via a hinge pin 32. Theclamp arm 30 and an internal keyed lock assembly 33 cooperate to permita locking of the arm 30 about the firearm 1. The firearm 1 may thus belocked to the rack 2 and vehicle to prevent undesired release, even incase of an accident or severe road conditions.

Also included with the lock assembly 26 is a wound coil, solenoidactuator 34 (shown at the cutaway portion of FIG. 3) which cooperateswith the lock 33 to permit remote operation of the lock, such as from adash mounted push button 36. A delay timer 38 may also be wired to thepower supply circuit of the solenoid 34 to provide a timed delay betweenactuation of the push button 36.

In a ceiling mount construction, the rack 2 is secured to the vehiclevia a pair of plates 40, 41 that are fastened to the tops of the arms12, 13. A number of holes 42 are let into the plates 40, 41 to receivefasteners 43 which secure the plates 40, 41 to the rack 2 and toadjoining portions of the vehicle framing or rack. That is, others ofthe holes 42 can align with various extension arms 50 and 52, referenceFIGS. 2 and 4, which enable additional attachment points of the rack 2to the vehicle.

The extension arm 50 particularly provides a right angled member 54having a number of apertures 56 which are positioned to mate withselected ones of the fasteners 43. An arcuate collar 60 is secured to anend of the member 54. The curvature of the collar 60 is shaped and sizedto mate with either a roll bar, such as found in many types of lawenforcement vehicles, or the telescoping expander bar assembly 3 ofFIG. 1. Presently, the collar is sized to mount to a roll bar orexpander bar 3 having a nominal inside diameter approximately 15/8inches; although the size may be varied as necessary.

The collar 60 is secured to the roll bar or expander bar assembly 3 upondrilling holes which align with the holes 62 of the collar 60 andsecuring bolt/nut fasteners 64 therebetween. The rack 2 may thus berestrained not only to the vehicle at the ceiling plates 40, but also toa separately provided roll bar or expander bar assembly 3. For aconventional roll bar mounting, the roll bar is typically welded to thevehicle chassi and the collars 60 are merely bolted to the curved rollbar, which roll bar may also be padded. Normal road vibration and othervehicle movements are thereby distributed over a number of fasteningpoints.

A typical expander bar mounting is shown at FIG. 2 and also at FIG. 1.The expander bar assembly 3 comprises a pair of tubular extension pieces72 and 74 which slide mount inside each other and are length adjustableto span the interior width of most pickup trucks and automobiles. Theextension pieces 72, 74 may be formed from suitably sized round orsquare tube stock. Mounted to each end of the bars 72, 74 are separatevehicle retainers 76.

Each retainer 76 includes a pivot arm 78 which is welded to an end ofone of the arms 72, 74. A pivot fastener 80 extends through aperturesformed in the pivot arm 78 and a mating yoke arm 82 that projects from amounting plate 84. A number of holes 86 are provided in each plate 84 tomount the plate 84 to interior of the vehicle. Upon appropriatelypivoting the retainer 76, the expander bar assembly may be restrained tothe ceiling 5 or vehicle sidewalls, such as above the windows or doors.

With additional attention to FIG. 4, a perspective view is shown inexploded assembly of alternative mountings of the rack assembly 2 viathe extension arm 52 to typical screen or window divider assemblies 90and 91, such as are used to divide the passenger and driver compartmentsof a law enforcement vehicle. Only portions of each of the alternativeassemblies 90 and 91 are shown; normally, only one or the other isprovided.

Instead of including an arcuate collar 60, each arm 52 provides atransverse, flat end plate 92 which includes a number of apertures 94. Apair of flat clamp plates 96 and 98 mount to opposite sides of thescreen assembly 90 or shield assembly 91. Each clamp plate includesholes 100 which align with the holes 94 and receive fasteners 102. Therack assembly 2 may thus be restrained to either a screen or windowdivider. The rack 2, in turn, is secured to the brackets 52 at theplates 40, 41. Preferably and as with the extension arms 50, the rack 2is also secured to the vehicle ceiling.

In combination, the modular configuration of the firearm support rack 2taken with the extension arms 50, 52, expander bar assembly 3 and clampplates 96, 98 accommodate essentially all types of law enforcementvehicles. An unobtrusive firearm mount within the head space of thevehicle is obtained and the firearm is not readily visible to passersby.Potential theft is thereby reduced. The firearm is also safely removedfrom the vehicle occupant.

Referring to FIG. 5, yet another modular firearm or accessory support110 is shown which allows the user to tailor the type and arrangement ofa plurality of cradles 112 and 114 to the telescoping extension bars orpieces 116, 118. The depicted cradles particularly support a firearm 1and a pair of binoculars 120, which are shown in phantom line. Theextension bars of the assembly 110 utilize rectangular or square tubestock in lieu of round stock as for the expander bar assembly 3.Pivoting retainer bracket assemblies 122 are mounted to each of theexposed ends of the extension bars 116, 118.

Each retainer bracket includes a multi-apertured mounting plate 124 andfrom which a pair of bored yoke arms 126 project. A fastener 128 extendsthrough aligned holes at each arm 126 and an end of one of the bars 116,118 to pivotally restrain each retainer assembly 122 to the respectivebar 116, 118. As before the retainers 112 are appropriately pivoted tomate with the vehicle as the bars 116, 118 extend or retract toaccommodate the necessary mounting spacing.

More of the details of the construction of the component assembly of thesupport 110 can be seen at FIG. 6. Especially apparent at FIG. 6 is theconstruction of the support cradles 112 and 114. With attention first tothe cradle assembly 112, the assembly includes a tubular extension piece130 and to which a flat stock arm 132 is welded approximately mid-lengthof the arm 130. An elastomer or foam liner 134 is shaped to mount aboutthe arm 132. A nylon strap 136 extends from the outermost end of the arm130. Secured to the strap 136 and arm 132 are mating VELCRO fastenerportions 18, 19. Welded along the length of the arm 130 is a sleeve 138which is sized to mount over the bar 116. The sleeve allows theselective positioning of the cradle 112 along the bar 116. Oncepositioned, a set screw 140 which mounts to a threaded aperture 142fixes the cradle 112 to the support 110.

In contrast to the cradle 112, the cradle assembly 114 provides aflat-stock extension piece 144 and to which a cradle arm 132 and strap136 are attached. A foam liner 135 which is shaped to receive thebinoculars 120 is contained by the arm 132. The shape of the liner 135may be varied as desired to accommodate the supported accessory. Asleeve segment 146 is also secured to the extension piece 144, butagainst the arm 132. A threaded aperture 142 and set screw 140 permit aselective mounting of the cradle along the bar 116.

Depending upon the ceiling space of a vehicle, one or more of each ofthe cradles 112 and 114 may be arranged along the length of the expanderbars 116, 118 to selectively receive one or more firearms or accessoryparaphernalia such as binoculars, flashlights, bow and arrows, etc.Depending upon the positioning of the arms 132 along the extensionpieces 130 and 144, the lateral spacing of the supported equipment canbe varied with respect to the expansion bars 116, 118. Thus, multiplefirearms 1 may be mounted in side-by-side relation to one another alongone side of the assembly 110, while other accessory equipment mayproject from the opposite side. Alternatively, separate firearms 1 maybe supported to either side of the bars 116, 118 with appropriateselection of the cradles 112 or 114.

While the invention has been described with respect to its presentlypreferred constructions, it is to be appreciated still otherconstructions may be suggested to those skilled in the art. Accordingly,the following claims should be interpreted to include all thoseequivalent embodiments within the spirit and scope thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. Firearm support apparatus comprising:(a) avehicle support including means for mounting the vehicle support insubstantially parallel relation to a planar surface of a motor vehicle;(b) a framework including i) a longitudinal member, ii) means forsecuring said longitudinal member to the vehicle support, iii) first andsecond arms projecting transverse to said longitudinal member andparallel to the planar surface, and iv) first and second concave cradlesrespectively secured to an unrestrained distal end of said first andsecond arms.
 2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said vehiclesupport includes first and second members mounted to telescope from oneanother along a longitudinal axis.
 3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2including means for restraining a firearm to said cradle.
 4. Apparatusas set forth in claim 3 wherein the firearm restraining means compriseslock means mounted to said longitudinal member and wherein said lockmeans includes a body and a retainer arm mounted to said body at a pivotand wherein said retainer arm pivots to encircle said firearm and latchto said body.
 5. Firearm support apparatus comprising:(a) a vehiclesupport including means for mounting the vehicle support insubstantially parallel relation to a planar surface of a motor vehicle;(b) a framework including i) a longitudinal member, ii) means forsecuring said longitudinal member to the vehicle support, iii) first andsecond arms projecting transverse to said longitudinal member andparallel to the planar surface, and iv) first and second concave cradlesrespectively secured to an unrestrained distal end of said first andsecond arms; and (c) means for restraining a firearm to said cradles. 6.Apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein said vehicle support includespivot means for adjusting said vehicle support toward or away from theplanar surface.
 7. Apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein saidvehicle support comprises:a) first and second tubular members mounted totelescope from one another along a longitudinal axis; and (b) first andsecond attachment means respectively mounted to an end of said first andsecond members for respectively restraining said first and secondmembers in close association to the planar vehicle surface, wherein eachof said first and second attachment means includes a portion whichmounts to a motor vehicle and means for pivoting the first and secondmembers toward or away from the planar surface.
 8. Apparatus as setforth in claim 5 including means for locking a firearm to said vehiclesupport and wherein said lock means includes a body and a retainer armmounted to said body at a pivot and wherein said retainer arm pivots toencircle said firearm and latch to said body.
 9. Apparatus as set forthin claim 5 wherein said vehicle support includes first and secondmembers mounted to telescope from one another along a longitudinal axis.10. Firearm support apparatus comprising:(a) a vehicle support includingmeans for mounting the support in substantially parallel relation to aplanar surface of a motor vehicle; (b) a plurality of cradle supportsmounted to transversely radiate from said vehicle support wherein eachof said cradle supports comprises i) a coupler, ii) means forrestraining said coupler to said vehicle support, and iii) an armextending from said coupler and supporting a concave cradle at anunrestrained distal end of said arm; and (c) means for restraining afirearm to said cradle supports.
 11. Apparatus as set forth in claim 10wherein at least one of said cradles includes a strap which is mountedto encircle the cradle and which strap includes mating fastener portionswhich interlock.
 12. Apparatus as set forth in claim 10 including lockmeans for locking a firearm to said vehicle support and wherein saidlock means includes a body and a retainer arm mounted to said body at apivot and wherein said retainer arm pivots to encircle said firearm andlatch to said body.
 13. Apparatus as set forth in claim 12 wherein saidlock means includes means for remotely releasing said retainer arm fromlatched engagement to said body.
 14. Apparatus as set forth in claim 11wherein at least one of said cradle supports includes a strap which ismounted to encircle the cradle and which strap includes mating fastenerportions.